Lifetime Achievement Award
for Cultural Heritage Protection
Honoring the Guardians of Pisa
Geotechnical engineering is not just about foundations — it is about safeguarding history for future generations.
On the occasion of the 4th International Symposium on the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Sites (ATHENS 2026), the Hellenic Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering is proud to announce the Lifetime Achievement Cultural Heritage Protection Award, “Honoring the Guardians of Pisa,” which will be presented to three legendary figures in geotechnical engineering for their instrumental role in the stabilization of the Leaning Tower of Pisa:
- The Late Professor Michele Jamiolkowski
- Emeritus Professor John Burland
- Emeritus Professor Carlo Viggiani
Their pioneering work stands as one of the most iconic achievements of geotechnical engineering, ensuring the Tower’s survival for generations to come.
May this mark the beginning of a tradition to celebrate geotechnical excellence in cultural heritage protection and to inspire future engineers to take on the challenges of monumental preservation.
A Shared Legacy at Pisa
The award is dedicated to one of the most iconic geotechnical interventions of the past century — the stabilization of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
This extraordinary effort, combining meticulous science, international collaboration, and years of perseverance, saved the monument from collapse and ensured its survival for centuries to come.
Through this inaugural theme, “Honoring the Guardians of Pisa,” TC301 celebrates not only a technical triumph, but also the enduring spirit of geotechnical engineers who stand as protectors of the world’s most treasured landmarks.
RECIPIENTS
The Late Professor Michele Jamiolkowski
Universally remembered as the “savior of the Leaning Tower of Pisa,” Professor Jamiolkowski chaired the historic international commission and personally led the bold soil extraction works that halted the Tower’s progressive lean. His vision, courage, and persistence turned a global symbol of instability into a triumph of geotechnical ingenuity — a legacy that will stand for centuries.
Emeritus Professor John Burland
A towering figure in geotechnical engineering, Professor Burland provided the scientific backbone and strategic direction for the Pisa project. Through his pioneering geotechnical strategy and advanced numerical modeling, he unlocked the secrets of leaning instability — a breakthrough that guided the safe and elegant solution that preserved the monument.
Emeritus Professor Carlo Viggiani
Professor Viggiani has been a steadfast guardian of the Tower for more than three decades. His unrivaled expertise in geotechnical monitoring and his tireless commitment to the International Committee have been instrumental in safeguarding the Tower’s stability, ensuring its protection well beyond its rescue and into its monitored future.
About the Award Ceremony
The Heritage Protection Award will be formally presented during the Opening Ceremony of the TC301 International Symposium in Athens, September 2026.
We will be deeply honored by the presence of Emeritus Professor John Burland and Professor Carlo Viggiani, who are making every effort to join us in person and celebrate this milestone with the geotechnical community.
The award for the late Professor Michele Jamiolkowski will be received on behalf of the Italian Geotechnical Committee, ensuring his legacy and contributions are celebrated alongside his colleagues.
Following the award presentations, the honorees (or their representatives) will share personal reflections from their extraordinary work, offering unique insights into the intersection of geotechnical innovation, heritage preservation, and the future of the profession.
The celebration will conclude with a Cocktail Welcome Reception — a chance for participants to meet, network, and toast the achievements of these remarkable engineers in a warm and festive atmosphere.
Moments That Saved the Tower
Step back in time and relive the extraordinary journey of the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s stabilization.
This photo album brings together rare and iconic images of our inaugural award recipients — captured while investigating the site, supervising soil extraction, coordinating engineering teams, lecturing, and even guiding students through the Tower’s remarkable recovery.
Each image is accompanied by a short story or memory, sharing the context of when it was taken and offering a glimpse into the dedication, ingenuity, and teamwork that turned a global challenge into a triumph of geotechnical engineering.
